The RSPCA are launching an investigation after the body of a dead dog was found last week by the side of the railway tracks in Teddington.

Amy Ockelford, National press officer of the RSPCA, posted the sad news on Twitter last Friday:

"We're investigating after the body of a dead dog was found in a suitcase dumped on the railway line in #Teddington London earlier this week."

Many animal lovers were quick to voice their sadness and concern over the incident, with one person replying, "I'm sure they have been doing railway works there over the last few weeks? That's not an easy place to get to let alone drag a case. Poor thing."

Another said, "Oh lord how much pain this poor soul must have gone through."

Animal cruelty is a criminal offence, resulting in a fine of up to £20,000, and can land owners in prison for 6 months.

The government has also announced its intentions to increase the maximum sentence to five years in prison, after a public consultation in 2017 found that 70% of people backed tougher sentences for animal cruelty.

This proposed legislation, named the Animals Welfare (Sentencing) Bill, has been introduced by West Dorset Conservative MP Chris Loder, who said he was inspired to take action by his own dog who he found abandoned on the roadside.

The new 5-year maximum sentence for animal abusers was introduced in Scotland in November 2020, and it will only be a matter of time before it also becomes law here.

For now, we can just hope that the person responsible for this deeply upsetting scene is found, punished and prohibited from owning any pets in the future.

If you have any information regarding this dog or who you think it might have belonged to, please call 0300 123 8018.